Job Opportunities

STAFF ATTORNEY

Purpose: Representation of children in family court in poverty cases wherein there are additional risk factors to the child or children. Mediation of disputes between parents, education of parents regarding the effects of conflict on children’s development, and coaching parents to improve their parenting relationship. Reports to the Deputy Director.

REPRESENTATION:

· Representation of children in Superior Court and other judicial or administrative settings as assigned by the Executive Director.

· Consult with Mental Health Professional for case consultation as necessary.

· Perform legal research as necessary.

· Consult with Deputy Director as necessary to carry out tasks.

· Meet with the Deputy Director, other staff attorneys and mental health professional at least once per month for case reviews.

FAMILIES IN TRANSITION:

· Provide mediation services to families through the FIT program as assigned by the Deputy Director or the FIT Coordinator. Caseload is expected to be approximately 2-3 cases per attorney.

· Draft follow up letters to participants after each FIT session.

· Communicate progress of FIT sessions to the FIT Coordinator.

· Schedule ongoing FIT sessions and communicate appointments to the Professional Assistant.

· Notify FIT Coordinator upon closing FIT case and send case closing letter at request of FIT coordinator, if appropriate.

· Any other data collection reports as requested by the FIT Coordinator.

LAWLINE:

· Advise Lawline callers as assigned.

· Provide supervision and oversight to the professional assistant, legal interns and volunteers handling Lawline calls.

· Review intake demographics and information given on Lawline as requested.

OFFICE:

· Prepare, sign and enter daily timesheets into the CLC billing database on a weekly basis.

· Keep program database up to date with demographics of parents and children.

· Attend all staff meetings unless excused by the Executive Director or the Deputy Director.

· Participate in staff development activities at the request of the Executive Director.

· Attend board meetings, committee meetings or CLC events as requested by the Executive Director.

OUTREACH:

· Participate in public speaking opportunities when requested.

· Participate in local and state bar association meetings.

· Attend functions on behalf of CLC .

· Establish and foster relationships with community organizations within the jurisdiction.

OTHER:

· Supervise, mentor and guide interns and volunteers as requested.

· Any other duties assigned by the Deputy Director or Executive Director.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Juris Doctor required

· Admission to and good standing with the Connecticut Bar required

· Successful completion of State of Connecticut Judicial Branch GAL/AMC training

· 2 – 6 years in experience in Family Law desirable

· Appreciation of the multidisciplinary approach to legal casework

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively

· Spanish speaking desirable

· Experience working with low income/at risk families desirable

· Social services/mental health background desirable

· 40 hour mediation training preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Primarily office environment, with regular in-state travel to courts or events and sporadic out-of-state travel;

Duties require regular standing; sitting; walking; using hands to finger, handle, feel; reaching with hands and arms; stooping or kneeling; occasional lifting or moving of up to 30 pounds; periodically driving. Duties also require talking, hearing and vision.

Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience, $68,500

This job description is provided to illustrate the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required, other duties may be assigned.